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Summary: One of the greatest books of the century !
Review: I read Learned Optimism a few months ago and put all I learned in practice. The consequences are remarkably positive ! If there is a single book that I would recommend for self-improvement, this will be the one. Reading this book has been an important turning point in my life and I shall always be indebted to the author for that.
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Summary: An Approach That Can Bring About Positive Change
Review: This book is tremendous in teaching you how to circumvent catastrophic thinking. The author's reasearch was fascinating to me, but some may feel the middle of the book is a little much. I think that the author was just so excited about his research and wanted to assist the reader in debunking many of the myths of Psychology. I would not classify this book as a self-help book. It is written by a professional Psychologist and is an examination of proven and unproven cognitive and behaviorial techniques. If you know nothing about Psychology, but feel that you need help, this is a great place to start!
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Summary: Not your usual self help book.
Review: Unlike most self help books Seligman's work is based on actual research. I would really recommend this book for people who are sick of the positive thinking movement but would still like some of the benefits. From the reviews here you might think this is just another Polyanna book. Seligman does not say that optimistic people are superior to others. In fact, he says that pessimists are more realistic. Optimists make good sales people, but you wouldn't want them to be elevator inspectors. Seligman advocates mature optimism. Basically the higher the cost of being wrong, the more it pays to be a pessimist. With that said there are a host of benefits to be had from optimism.
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Summary: excellent
Review: martin seligman has studied the inner works of the mind. What he has researched, he describes in a easy to follow format in how to change one's life.
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Summary: Gave copies to my brother, sister & several friends
Review: I am like a former smoker. I realize how destructive my negative thinking was. No dreamy platitudes in this book, just practical guidance to help change your pattern of thinking. I used to say "I am a realist", when I was actually an unhappy pessimist. I look at life quiet differently now, I am able to accomplish more and are viewed as a much more enjoyable person to be around. I discovered that the cause of my unhappiness was internal, not external. Now when I see negative people I think 'if they only knew how happy they could be'.
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Summary: Worth a quick read
Review: The author presents some practical advice as to how we should alter our thinking if we wish to press on in the face of life's obstacles. You can breeze over the portions of the book that attempt to validate the author's life's work and get the gist of it all by taking the cosmo quiz that he provides so you can assess your own "explanatory style" and then reading the chapters on sports and politics.
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Summary: Excellent material for business students
Review: I am currently writing my master thesis in leadership philosophies. Learned Optimism confirmed my research that terms like proactivity, faith, will to win and the behavioral patterns behind them produce results; and that these behavioral patterns are based on emotional and intellectual attitudes. Great book
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Summary: Helping to change my life
Review: This is one of the most fantastic and helpful books I have ever read. Much of the discussion is a touch more scientific in tone, when compared to other mainstream psychology or self-help books. The first three quarters of the book is also dedicated to research that had been done earlier, rather than educating the reader on how they might apply these practices to benefit their own life. In the end though, all that research backing serves to add a serious amount of weight, and value, to the chapters towards the end which outline how you as the reader can focus on changing the way you think. The book is NOT a magic pill to change your life. There are NO magic pills like that. This will help you learn to think differently though, and realize that many of us are hindered primarily by our own self-defeat. Thinking positively, expressing yourself, and going after your dreams are the keys. When you do feel down, depressed, or fearful, debate your illogical beliefs and change the feelings you generate!
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Summary: Cured my year-long depression literally overnight
Review: I will be forever grateful to Dr. Seligman and the therapist who gave this book to me. Ten years ago, I had been suffering from depression over a failed relationship for over a year. After a few months of therapy, my counselor recommended this book to me. I read it ravenously, staying up overnight to finish it after starting it in the afternoon. The realization that I had control over my feelings was astonishing. I do not exaggerate in saying that I felt cured of my depression the very next day. Amazing and empowering. Highly recommended for those who are ready to hear it.
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Summary: Broad Usefulness
Review: Although Seligman intends for this outstanding book to be used for individual growth, I first learned of it in a context of organizational development done by my friend and colleague, Dr. Mila Baker.
Not only individuals, but entire work groups can learn to become helpless. Martin's analytical framework is priceless in understanding and breaking down this group dynamic in workplaces. I would highly recommend it to HR professionals as the pliers in their toolkit...
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